Crispy smashed sweet potatoes are a fun and tasty side dish! You start with tender sweet potatoes, smash them down, and bake until they’re crispy on the edges. Yum!
I love how these little goodies have a sweet flavor with a crunchy twist. Plus, they’re easy to make—just smash, drizzle with a bit of oil, and pop them in the oven. Perfect for sharing, or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of our dish! Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking. If they aren’t available, yams can be a good alternative, though they taste a bit different.
Olive Oil: This adds great flavor and helps the potatoes crisp up. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or vegetable oil works well too.
Garlic Powder: I love garlic powder for its convenience and flavor. Fresh minced garlic is a great substitute if you prefer a stronger taste.
Smoked Paprika: It brings a lovely smoky flavor. If you’re out, regular paprika or chili powder can replace it, though the flavor will change a bit.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: I enjoy the creaminess of sour cream. Greek yogurt is a healthier option, and it adds a nice tang. Both are fantastic for dipping!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes?
Getting that crispy texture is all about smashing and baking! Here’s how to do it right:
- After baking the sweet potatoes, let them cool a bit. This helps with handling, but don’t wait too long to smash them.
- Smash each round to about 1/4-inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get, but don’t worry too much about perfection!
- Be generous with olive oil and seasonings. The oil helps to crisp up the potatoes in the oven.
- Make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheet. Space them out for better air circulation, allowing them to crisp nicely on all sides.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme or rosemary), for garnish
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Honey, for drizzling (optional)
For Garnishing:
For Dipping:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 50 minutes baking the sweet potatoes and another 25 minutes for smashing and crisping them up. It’s a straightforward and fun recipe! Perfect for sharing or snacking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will get it nice and hot for baking the sweet potatoes.
2. Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt. Then, pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Arrange them on a baking sheet and place them in the oven. Bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until they’re tender when poked with a fork.
3. Cool and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Once baked, carefully take the sweet potatoes out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. When they are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and slice them into about 1/2-inch thick rounds.
4. Smash the Sweet Potato Slices:
Place the sweet potato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Here comes the fun part! Use a fork or the bottom of a flat cup to gently smash each slice until it’s about 1/4-inch thick.
5. Season the Smashed Sweet Potatoes:
Drizzle the smashed sweet potatoes with olive oil. Then sprinkle on the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to turn the slices gently to coat them evenly with the seasonings.
6. Crispy Bake:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the edges turn golden brown and crispy.
7. Finish Up:
Once they’re done baking, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Feel free to sprinkle them with fresh herbs for a lovely touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the crispy smashed sweet potatoes warm with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt for dipping. If you like, drizzle a little honey on top for a sweet twist. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly. Make sure to adjust your baking time until they are tender after the initial bake.
How to Store Leftover Smashed Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as sweet potatoes, olive oil, herbs, and spices are all gluten-free. Just ensure any sour cream or Greek yogurt you use is labeled gluten-free if you have severe dietary restrictions.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you’re looking for alternatives to sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great swap, providing a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, you could use a dairy-free yogurt or a tahini sauce for a unique twist!
